Raising Tech Healthy Humans
Raising Tech Healthy Humans
Last week, a small group of parents and staff met with author Daniel Sih to celebrate the end of our book study, ‘Raising Tech Healthy Humans’. Exploring the book over the past term, we have looked at some of the challenges facing young people growing up in a world in which screen time is ubiquitous. We have examined how we can help our children to develop healthy habits that support a balanced approach to the use of technology, alongside a commitment to providing them with everyday experiences that support their holistic development as they deepen relationships with family, explore a range of creative pursuits and engage with the natural world.
This week, in my newsletter, I provided some insights into information I read this week about the complex interactions that occur among and between trees within forest communities, and the ways in which established trees support the development of saplings. Part of the article I read also explored how trees seem to signal to others when they are in distress. The release of pheromones prompts others to release chemicals that protect them from attack by grazing herbivores or hungry insects.
I feel that for many years now, as a community, we have been receiving warning signals from our young people. Escalating rates of mental illness, including depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation have been reported through many, many different sources. Many of those experiencing mental health issues, recognise that social media is a contributing key factor, but its addictive qualities make it hard to turn away.
Younger and younger children are spending hours on social media each day. At a time when their brains are undergoing significant development, it is right for experts to be concerned about potential long-term impacts on children and young people.
(See the following links for additional information).
As we enjoyed supper together, Daniel encouraged parents to pledge to go slow in allowing their primary-aged children access to social media. He drew our attention to the work of the Heads Up Alliance that is encouraging parents to make a pledge to delay their children’s access to smart phones and social media. When parents know they are not alone in making this sort of commitment, it is much easier to stay strong in the face of pressure from their children.
I would encourage our families to consider making their own pledge to go slow when it comes to letting their children access social media and to instead focus on making an investment in the holistic development of their children.
Jodie Bennett
Principal